sai2 sau2 gaan1洗手間洗手间
Jyutpingsai2 sau2 gaan1
Yalesái sáu gāan
Definition
Lavatory, washroom, or toilet.
neutralplacesdaily actions
How it's used
Using this term is the standard way to be polite when asking for a restroom in public settings like restaurants or offices. While 廁所 is perfectly acceptable, it can sound blunt or slightly crude depending on the context, especially when dining. Opting for this term shows a higher level of social awareness and courtesy.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Excuse me, may I ask where the restroom is?
Related words
Common phrases
to go to the restroom
to look for a restroom
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the act of washing hands, as the term is strictly used to refer to the facility itself. If you actually need to wash your hands, it is better to ask where the sink is or use a more specific phrase.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
